Lake Sharpe

Points of interest on Lake Sharpe –Downstream & Tailrace –La Framboise Island – Pierre Marina / Griffin Park – Farm Island – Antelope Creek – Rousseau – De Grey – Cedar Creek – Joe Creek – Iron Nation – Narrows – West Bend – North Bend – Lower Brule – Counselor Creek – Good Soildier – North Shore – Fort Thompson

Lake Sharpe Communities – Pierre – Fort Thompson– Chamberlain

Lake Sharpe flows for 80 miles from the Capital City of Pierre to the Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson. There are numerous recreational areas along Lake Sharpe’s path. The winding Missouri River creates miles of shoreline with great structure to promote fishing. Sand Bars, mud lines, and submerged trees all make for great habitat. Some area’s of Lake Sharpe do have swift currents so make sure and be careful especially near Pierre. During the winter this area marginally freezes over and any ice fishing should be done with extreme caution. The Oahe dam makes for a great weekend trip and tour. They hydroelectric power it produces supply’s many homes for hundreds of miles. Many fish species are found in Lake Sharpe including Walleye, Northern Pike, and monster Catfish. Fish can be found at changing depths at different times of the year. There are many campgrounds and resorts located along Lake Sharpe’s Banks, many are found in the middle of nowhere. Farm Island near Pierre, SD is one of the favorites. With great shore fishing in the area Farm Island is a great destination for the whole family. Like lake Oahe the wind can come up suddenly while boating on Lake Sharpe. Make sure to be aware and make alternative plans in case of changing conditions. Check out the South Dakota Game Fish and Park’s website for additional information on lake conditions. Water levels can change yearly and make sure that your boat ramp is open before you travel there.

Pierre South Dakota and the Oahe Dam

Thisi s an image taken near Pierre and Fort Pierre South Dakota

The majority of activities on Lake Sharpe can be found near Pierre and Fort Pierre South Dakota. Along with the enormous Oahe hydroelectric dam this area provides recreation diversity. On your next trip visit La Framboise Island. This great destination has extensive walking trails and fishing opportunities. Pierre, SD also has great fishing guides for walleye and salmon fishing in nearby Lake Oahe. Lake Sharpe’s fluctuation water levels has created many different conditions. Certain activities in Pierre are affected by these changes. Swimming beaches, Boat Ramps, and anything within 300 feet of the shoreline can be affected. Historically the local economy has been directly affected by the water flowing through Lake Sharpe.

Lakes of the Missouri River – Lake Oahe – Lake Sharpe – Lake – Francis Case – Lewis & Clark Lake

Fishing Lake Sharpe

This is an image taken near Lake Sharpe in South Dakota Missouri River Reservoir

Like the other reservoirs of the Missouri River in South Dakota Lake Sharpe has great Walleye Fishing. Try using bottom bouncers with a 5 – 6 foot leader in the summer. Use night crawlers and leaches for bait. Locate structure in the water due to changing water levels. In the spring cast a jig and minnow into shore and reel slowly. Walleye can be found in different depths depending on the conditions. Water clarity is also a key factor in locating Walleye. There is good channel cat fishing near submerged rocks and trees. Jigs and crawlers work good fishing on the bottom. Large Northern Pike and Bass have also been known to be caught in Lake Sharpe. Use a plug or spoon and cast. Alternate retrieval speeds and locations.